The death of a Scunthorpe maintenance electrician who was crushed by a crane 'could have been avoided', a court heard.

Tata Steel UK Ltd previously admitted two offences linked to the death of Thomas Standerline.

But contractor company Harsco Metals Group Ltd has denied a charge concerning its alleged role in the matter and a trial was opened at Hull Crown Court today (Thursday, September 7).

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive into the death of Mr Standerline led to charges involving breaches of health and safety laws on the Scunthorpe site.

Mr Standerline, 26, of Burton-upon-Stather, died as the result of an accident at the Brigg Road site while working as a craft electrician on April 23, 2010.

He had gone to maintain a crane but was crushed when another crane began to operate above him, with only a 12cm clearance.

Tata previously admitted two charges under the 1974 Health and Safety at Work Act, of failing to discharge its duty on or before April 23, 2010, at Scunthorpe steelworks to ensure people not in its employment and its employees were not exposed to the risk of entrapment from craning operations.

Site crane contractor Harsco Metals Group Ltd, of Surrey, denies failing to discharge its duty by ensuring persons not in its employment were not exposed to a risk of entrapment from crane operations.

Barrister for the Health and Safety Executive, Austin Stoton, outlined the prosecution's case this morning.

Dr Stoton told the jury that the crane was "the property of Tata" and was "maintained by them", but it was "operated" by Harsco.

The prosecutor said neither company had "sufficient" control measures in place.